Sunday, January 26, 2014

THE SHEPHERD'S STANDARD: The Oversight of Children

“A bishop then must be…one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)…” (1 Timothy 3:2,4-5 NKJV)

There is an art and skill in leading a family.  God sets the perfect pattern, which pastors are to emulate in their home.  Though no mere mortal can attain that, we must strive for it, and thus, give a model to the membership. 

We are reminded that there is an art and skill in leading the flock. 

For Christians, the church and the home are one. We should oversee both of them with love, truth, and discipline. The pastor cannot be one thing at home and something else in church. If he is, his children will detect it, and there will be problems. [1]

Pastors are to “rule” their house.   Greek scholar, A.T. Robertson says the word means, “to stand before.”  As a leader in my home I must accept the weighty responsibility of standing before my family.  I must stand with conviction and consistency.  That is required for faithful and fruitful church leadership also.  They must see the shepherd’s stand and they will follow his steps.
He is to do this “well.”  The word…is kalōs (καλως), ‘beautifully, finely, excellently, well.’” [2]  We are painting a masterpiece.  God’s handiwork is on display.  This touches every dimension in the home.  The finances are in order.  The lawn is neat.  The house is clean.  The work of the kingdom in the home and house of God demands excellence, and ought to be a thing of beauty.

The pastor’s children need to be led to make an effort in their schoolwork, to be exemplary citizens, to have a strong work ethic, and most of all to have a heart for God.  Their development will be challenging—some more than others—but God gives grace.  This is the goal for all church members—not just the pastor’s—and such children often grow up to be solid servants in the church, influencing generations to come.

A PRAYER

Our Father in Heaven,
Your very name is to be revered!  May it be spoken frequently and fervently in our home.  Let our children learn that Your name represents all that You are and that all You are is incredibly glorious!  May Your kingdom come, first in my home—making my children to become Your children.  Help us set the standard of skillful leadership.  We need You to empower us!
In the Powerful Name of Christ,
Amen.



[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 221). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (1 Ti 3:4). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
 

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